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Gisborne Standard and Cook County Gazette, Volume III, Issue 390, 13 December 1889, Page 2

A VOICE IN THE DISTANCE. The Wellington Post is recognised as one of the highest authorities on political matters, and this is what it has to say in regard to the two candidates from which a selection must to-day be made for the representation in Parliament of the East Coast electoral district: Mr Arthur is deeply concerned in native land transactions which are still the subject of Parliamentary consideration. He was in Wellington last session lobbying in regard thereto, and some matters in which he had a strong personal interest were before the Native Affairs Committee, which, however, was in a somewhat singular way prevented from reporting on them. .Had the report the majority were in -favor of -been made, it is believed the result would not have been satisfactory to Mr Arthur. Of course these cases will crop up again next session. It is, therefore, very undesirable that Mr Arthur should be a member of .the Legislature while they are under consideration, The late member for the East Coast took credit for having assisted to “ fix up ” a number of titles in the district, amongst which are some belonging to his principals. The new member, if it should be Mr Arthur, will have a still more direct interest in “ fitting up"] other doubtful titles. Not very ago he wrote two letters to Chief JudgeMacdonald, urging him to come him-’ self down to Gisborne to re-hear certain native land cases, which he admitted he had g, certain pecuniary having settled, .and not to send another Judge who was believed to be adverse. These letters have been published, and we certainly hold that they constitute a disqualification of the gravest kind jn regard to the position Mr Arthur now seeks to fill. One who could address the Chief Judge of the Native Land Court in the terms Mr Arthur did, is certainly not the man whom ths electors of any constituency should return to Parliament at the present time. No man with an axe to grind should be sent to Parliament. It is exposing him to cruel temptation, however honest his intentions may be, and though in heart and action pure as snow, he shall not ’scape calumny. Defeat at the poll will prevent Mr Arthur's reputation suffering, however undeservedly, hereafter. Our prayer is that he may be delivered from temptation, and not be led into evil by polling a majority of East Coast votes. For the short time the present Parliament has.to run, Mr Rees will, in the interests of the colony, be a ipuch preferable representative to Mr Arthur. He may not be able to do much hs-m while in the House, but he is quite capable of preventing much harm being '

done, because he is a sworn enemy to all jobbery, is well behind the scenes in regard to native land affairs, has much legal acumen, and is bold and fearless in denouncing wrong-doing, no matter -where he finds it. Under present circumstances it is indeed quite possible that Mr Rees might really prove a very valuable member of the House and do the State some service. We hope the opportunity may be afforded him.”